Scientist Material Characterization - Akron Technical Center - Onsite

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection - growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.

At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.

We are Synthomer! Our products are all around you. We are a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialized polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in helping our customers make products that bind the world together. We're proud to employ around 3,900 people, working across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. We are seeking an Advanced Analytical Scientist for the Americas Material Characterization group located at our Americas Technical Center in Akron, Ohio.

The Synthomer Material Characterization team is a global network of analytical and polymer chemists who specialize in the characterization of polymers, emulsions, specialty chemicals, and formulated materials to further the company's interests. We support every aspect of the business - from innovation and new product development to production and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate Synthomer's Safety First culture by working safely, watching out for the wellbeing of others, and actively participating in the site safety program.
• Produce and interpret complex and appropriate analytical data to support the business' needs. This will include routine and non-routine testing, where non-routine testing may involve the development of novel methods.
• Communicate regularly with subject matter experts and non-experts, primarily within Synthomer. Communications will include analytical reports, project updates and reports, and presentations to the Material Characterization team and to internal customers.
• Work with the Material Characterization team to solve complex problems for our customers.
• Stay up to date on industry trends to facilitate Synthomer's competitive advantage. Develop a deep understanding of the analytical tools needed for Synthomer's success and make recommendations for purchases of laboratory instrumentation.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation to potentially include NMR, FTIR, gas and liquid chromatography systems, microscope, rheometer, and other thermal instruments (e.g. DSC).
• Maintain detailed, accurate and transparent written records and documentation, including protocols and laboratory notebooks.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Engineering or related field.
• Must have a minimum of 2 years' professional work experience. Five years' experience preferred.
• Demonstrated professional experience in at least one of the following: material characterization/ analytical chemistry experience or experience in a technical role in the polymer/chemical industry.
• Exhibit a high level of initiative and self-motivation; capable of working independently on multiple simultaneous projects.
• Attention to detail, multitasking ability, troubleshooting skills and strong problem-solving skills are a must.
• Welcoming and collaborative attitude. Be comfortable networking and working on cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivated and organized. Flexible and adaptable, with strong time management skills. The candidate will be immersed in a fast-paced environment where priorities are frequently shifting, and deadlines are critical.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to maintain comprehensive records and laboratory notebooks and logbooks.
• Ideal candidate is eager to take on new challenges, curious and passionate about learning.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
  
  

Preferred Requirements

• Master of Science in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Engineering or related field.
• Experience with polymers and polymer physics.
• Experience with NMR.
• Strong data analysis and/or statistics background.
• Continuous Improvement mindset: looks for opportunities to make improvements to processes or procedures.
  
  

Global Benefits Overview

• Competitive, market-aligned compensation
• Discretionary global bonus scheme
• Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) - for senior positions
• Company car or car allowance - varies by region and role
• Healthcare - tailored to regional locations
• Parental leave and family support - maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
• Working options - flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
• Learning & development opportunities - training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
• Wellbeing support - employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
• Retirement / pension contributions - plans vary by country
• Culture of Inclusion - where everyone can thrive
• Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes